Schafer & Schafer Injury Attorneys secured a $7.75 million settlement in a wrongful death case involving a fatal electrical shock drowning at an Indiana marina.
Our investigation showed that electrical safety standards were not followed, creating dangerous conditions in the water. The case centered on standards under the National Electrical Code and the safeguards that should have been in place to protect people using the marina.
A Preventable Electrical Shock Drowning
Water and electricity can be a deadly combination, especially at marinas and docks where electrical equipment is located close to the water. When electrical current leaks into the water, someone swimming nearby can be shocked and lose the muscle control needed to swim to safety. This is known as electric shock drowning.
In this case, our investigation showed that electrical safety standards designed to prevent this type of accident had not been followed.
Attorney Todd Schafer stated, “This tragedy was entirely preventable. The marina knew of a similar incident a few days before and had a duty—not only under industry standards but basic human decency—to warn the public. But they did nothing, and a good family paid the price.”
The case ultimately resulted in a $7.75 million settlement for the family.
Electrical Safety at Marinas
The National Electrical Code includes specific standards for marinas, docks and similar facilities where electrical systems operate near water.
Those rules are there to protect people from electrical hazards that aren't always visible. A swimmer may have no warning that electrical current is present in the water until it is too late. Following proper electrical codes, inspecting equipment and addressing known electrical problems are critical to keeping marinas safe.
Investigating an Electrical Shock Wrongful Death
Cases involving an electrical shock drowning require a close look at how electricity entered the water and why the dangerous condition was allowed to exist. That can mean examining the electrical system, maintenance and inspection records, applicable codes and safety standards, and whether there were warning signs before the accident.
What Happens When Electrical Safety Standards Aren't Followed?
Electrical codes establish minimum safety requirements. When a marina or property owner fails to follow those requirements, an electrical hazard can put swimmers, boaters and others using the property at risk.
For a family pursuing an Indiana wrongful death claim, determining whether those standards were followed can be an important part of establishing what went wrong and who was responsible. In this case, our investigation established failures to follow National Electrical Code requirements.
Indiana Wrongful Death and Electrical Injury Attorneys
When someone dies because of an unsafe property condition or another person's negligence, the surviving family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Schafer & Schafer represents families throughout Indiana in wrongful death cases, including cases involving electrical injuries, electrocution, unsafe property conditions and other preventable accidents.
Do I Need an Attorney After a Fatal Electrical Accident?
Electrical accident cases can involve evidence and safety standards that aren't obvious at first.
An experienced Indiana wrongful death attorney can investigate the electrical system and conditions at the property, preserve evidence, consult with electrical and safety experts, and determine whether a property owner or another party failed to meet applicable safety standards. That investigation can also uncover problems that may not appear in an initial accident or incident report.
Talk to an Indiana Wrongful Death Attorney
If your family has lost someone in an electrical accident, drowning or another preventable incident, Schafer & Schafer can help you understand what happened and what options may be available under Indiana law. Our attorneys handle serious wrongful death and electrical injury cases throughout Indiana. Contact Schafer & Schafer Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.
